12 December 2015

WIN-Zimbabwe Board Chair
Mrs. Josephine Muganiwa holding our NAMA award which we won in February this year for
Outstanding Online Media.

Welcome
to our 94th newsletter, coming as 2015 comes to an end. Ours has
been a journey of literary adventure, learning and hope. Hope is indeed a
powerful resource. Our membership continues to grow and we express our heartfelt
gratitude for the unconditional support and encouragement we received
throughout the year from different organisations and individuals in the book
sector and from relatives and friends. Thank you very much. We wish you a merry
Christmas and a happy, prosperous 2016. We are one family, one love. Please
enjoy.

Tawanda
Kandenga, who spent a wonderful time with us when he was on attachment, just
got us on our feet and we found ourselves dancing! Kandenga, who is also a
gifted aspiring poet, was one of the students from the Bindura University who
were capped last month. He wrote to WIN to express his gratitude for the educative
moments he spent with us. We are touched also as we know that we learnt quite a
lot from the young man. We would like to thank Kandenga for believing in us. The picture (insert) shows Tawanda Kandenga in the WIN office in Highlands last year. With
permission from Kandenga, we publish his letter to WIN below:

Dear WIN-Zimbabwe,

I would like to take this
opportunity to pass my bottomless gratitude to WIN Zimbabwe for allowing me an
opportunity to be part of such a striving organisation in such a learning
process that proved to be my corner stone in my academic achievement. Without
WIN Zimbabwe my graduation which took place yesterday on the 20th of November
2015 would not have been that blissful.

The 23rd of September 2013
marks the day that WIN Zimbabwe opened its doors for me. From there and then my
practical exposure to the real world became more real by the day.

I have had and still have adoration
for writers all my life. Working for a writers’ organisation made me realize
the link between the writer and development, and the imprints that writing
boldly leaves on development. Be it human development, economic development,
social development, sustainable development- the writers holds a powerful place
in all that. Thus for a Development Studies student coming into a writers
organisation for an industrial attachment is not a mistake but a
well-considered thought and a high-profile opportunity. I have nothing left to
say that writers are the "surgeons of the society".

I learnt a lot of this with
WIN Zimbabwe's projects from issues that has to do with project development and
management, communication and development, cultural values and so on. The main
projects that I participated in were the writers training workshops (meant to
develop and nurture young writers’ talents and skills) and the WIN Zimbabwe
Epworth Community Outreach Program which involves 10 writers clubs launched in
different schools around Epworth. Throughout such projects my knowledge
improved in as far as project development and management is concerned which was
the core of my degree. My greatest satisfaction rests in the way that writers
can shape the society by addressing all the social vices and ills which are
corruption, environmental degradation, climate change, gender-based violence,
crime, prostitution, HIV/Aids and so forth.

I would like to say thank
you WIN-Zimbabwe for enlightening me all the way from day one to the end of my
attachment. God surely blesses this organisation. Thank you

Regards

Tawanda Kandenga

MEDITATION IS A BASIC HUMAN
NEED – CHIMUKA DEBRA

(Report by WIN-Zim)

Chimuka’s book will be
launched on December 16

We
have heard of expressions such as ‘a sound mind in a sound body’ and maybe we wondered
what it really means. Debra Chimuka has brought an answer!

Chimuka
is a writer who is concerned with mental health. An independent self-published
author, she strongly wishes to equip her readers through her new book titled Meditation in High Definition, the first
of her Tranquil World Series. This is a practical book which,
according to its blurb, values meditation as “a basic human need and the first
essential need, necessary to nurture love, life and work”. The author further states in the
blurb, “Meditation is not a new religion.
Every single religion has a practice that it calls meditation. Hence it is not
a drill of one particular religion, tradition or history. The focus of
meditation is on the human mind and how, it relates to itself; teachings,
people and the environment. How the human mind relates to itself and teachings
has an emotional impact on human attitudes, behavior and conduct. A study of
meditation seeks to understand how the human mind operates, to create a path
for taming it. This means meditation is an activity done with a clear
intention.”

While
Chimuka will be launching her book on December 16 at the Zimbabwe-German
Society in Harare, she has been actively promoting the book through various
platforms. Last week, Debra was on television to talk about her book. On
Tuesday, December 8, she hosted a discussion of her book at the American
Embassy.

WIN-Zimbabwe
also invited Chimuka to briefly talk to its members on the WIN Whatsapp Group platform.
WIN members were curious to know what really inspired Chimuka to write on this
topic.

“I
chose the topic to bring understanding to the subject of meditation. The book
is promoting spirit, soul and body meditation,” she said. Her focus is on the
synergy or relationship between the spirit, soul and body.

Asked
if she had a particular target audience, Chimuka said, “I have defined
meditation as thought management. And thought management is for men, women, and
children who register thought. Challenges of not having cash, time for social
activities and being misunderstood.” Chimuka went on to describe her book as
having a Christian bias as she is also a Christian.

Meditation
High Definition is being sold for US$20 as a means to finance its complete
publication. The author plans to publish three more workbooks for thought
management expected to be available early next year. The three workbooks are
for everyday life meditation, schools, and organisations.

Chimuka
holds a Social Science degree and a
Human Resource Management Diploma from the University of Cape Town – South
Africa (1994, 1995).

MUCHURI’S CHRISTMAS PRESENT

Tinashe
Muchuri’s debut Shona novel Chibarabada,
published by Bhabhu Books this month comes as a Christmas gift and our holiday
reading is getting more exciting.

We
found the latest interview with Muchuri done in the Herald. Please enjoy the
story behind the story of Chibarabada
by clicking this link:The Wait is Over for Muchuri.

CULTURE FUND LAUNCHES BOOK

Maria Selin (left) SIDA
Head of Development Cooperation prepares to declare the book ‘Status of Women
in the Arts & Culture Sector’ officially launched while Culture Fund Board
Chair Susan Mutangadura looks on.

The
Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust has published an insightful research-based 56-page
booklet titled Status of Women in the
Arts and Culture Sector.

The
booklet, which covers film, literary arts, dance, music, theatre, visual arts
and cultural heritage, was launched on November 24, 2015, at the Culture Fund
head office in Milton Park, Harare.

While
it contains useful information for all arts and culture stakeholders, including
policy makers, the booklet also celebrates the resilience of female artists.

Speaking
at the launch, Maria Selin, Head of Development (SIDA), said it is still more
difficult for women to get resources and this problem can be solved by
recognising the capabilities of women in society. Guests at the launch were
treated to music and poetry from Edith WeUtonga and Shumirai Nhanhanga
respectively.

Major
findings of the study confirm the gender discrepancies in the arts and culture
sector particularly in terms of leadership.

Training
programmes for women in the sector are few and yet training is greatly needed
for improving their status as artists.

Due
to the economic hardship, income has become a priority and the research
established that women, particularly those in the crafts sub-sector, are in the
arts to financially supplement their earnings. According to the study, 76% of
the female respondents said they are “involved in other business activities
other than their creative work”.

However,
despite challenges faced by female artists, there are positive stories. The
study, for instance, says that the local film industry provides evidence enough
to show how women have dominated this sub-sector. Successful women in film
include Tsitsi Dangarebga, Hope Ranganayi, Priscilla Sithole, Nakai Matema,
Danai Gurira, Rumbi Katedza, Dorothy Meck, Charity Maruta and many others.

Actually
the book has a section where some of renowned female artists from various arts
and culture sub-sectors tell their stories. From the literary arts there are
two writers Virginia Phiri and Ericah Gwetai (the late writer Yvonne Vera’s mother)
who narrate the opportunities and difficult circumstances they and other women
face in the literary arts.

The
book Status of Women in the Arts and Culture Sector is a result of research
which was commissioned by Culture Fund in partnership with the Embassy of
Sweden in Harare.

THE YOUTH PERSPECTIVE

With

Mimi Machakaire in South Africa

A Visit to a Bookstore in
Bloemfontein

Late
last month my family and I took a trip to Bloemfontein. Whilst there I was able
to visit a book store called Exclusive Books. This store is a large franchise,
located in a number of countries such as South Africa and Botswana. It was
founded in 1951 by the Josephs (that is, Philip Joseph, Pamela Joseph and
Pauline Joseph).

I
first found out about Exclusive Books when I was living in Botswana some time
back. As a reader I fell in love with the range of books this store had to
offer. If they did not have a book in the store, they would order it for me
from Europe or America and within weeks they would call me saying that my books
have arrived. It was absolutely thrilling to be able to visit the store every
other weekend and spend hours searching for my favourite novels. Their cheap
prices and helpful, friendly staff made it easy for me to get what I needed.
The best part about it was the way in which they organized the store, allowing
you to read the books before you buy it. Going back to Exclusive Books made me
feel like I was visiting an old friend.

It
has a comfortable feel to it like no other book store I have ever been to. I
have been to a lot of book stores before but this one will always top the list!
What’s more, they do not just sell books but also little goodies like this
nifty little device that lights up and enables you to read your books in the
dark. If there is a specific book you are looking for, all you have to do is
ask the staff and they will point it out for you.The staff’s classy attire and efficiency
makes the experience of buying books more than just simply buying books.

I
was able to buy these classics and stock my library full of my favourite
childhood stories. Wanting to read the original ending to some of these beloved
stories, my eyes buzzed with excitement at the sight of the books sitting there
in all their glory. I bought the lot at a reasonable price. They truly have
everything and more!

Exclusive
Books surely helped me quench that thirst of mine by not only letting me relive all the
classics but catch up on the latest, seek in new genres and inspire those who
need a little spark in their lives.

How
good it feels to know that if they do not have what a reader is looking for,
they will find it by all means. And next, it is call from them and they welcome
you back ‘home’ with open arms like one of their very own. Exclusive Books, if
truth be told, know their thing!

Get in touch with WIN for more details of the author and how you can have your copy!

MACHACHA’S NEW POETRY
ANTHOLOGY

Watch this space for
reviews of the above books!

NOMSA TSITSI NGWENYA
NDEBELE NOVEL

We will be officially creating a separate
page for the serialization of Nomsa Tsitsi Ngwenya’s Ndebele novel titled Inyawo Zayizolo. We apologize for the long
delay in continuing with the next part. Once we resume, we will keep you
enjoying the novel.

Nomsa Tsitsi Ngwenya, author of Inyawo Zayizolo

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2015 LITFEST
HARARE

FIRST DAY

A Tribute to Chenjerai Hove

Tafadzwa, Hove’s daughter, speaking at Litfest

This event
literally set the Litfest Harare in motion. Held at the SAPES Trust on November
26 in the afternoon, the session, particularly the slide show of his various
photos, brought back fond memories of the late Hove.

USA-based
Zimbabwean writer Barbara Mhangami-Ruwende could not help honoring the soil
that identifies with her spirit. As she was about to deliver her keynote
address, she removed her shoes so that her feet could be grounded, balanced and
absorb the spiritual welcome sipping from the soil of her motherland.Her session was moderated by Isabella Matambanadzo aka Bella, and had Culture Fund
Director Farai Mpfunya as respondent.

With poet Nqobile Malinga (left)
emceeing, Tendai Maduwa’s launch of his book Marry My Language got everyone titillated to read the poetry of the
African Child as Maduwa is popularly known. It was a beautiful launch spiced
with Tinashe Muchuri’s ‘whistle poetry’ (his term) and speeches by Maduwa’s
comrades such as Rabison Shumba.Soon
after the launch, young and gifted Gary Tight entertained guests with his melodious
guitar and voice.

SECOND DAY

The second Litfest day began with a panel
discussion at the University of Zimbabwe. The topic “Research and the Novel;
Fiction and Imagination” was scrutinized from different angles by Norwegian
writer Elisabeth Beanca Halvorsen, local writers Shimmer Chinodya and Cynthia
Marangwanda and poet/ literary critic Kizito Muchemwa. Barbara Mhangami
moderated the discussion.

After
the panel discussion poet Han Lynn (above) from Burma reads from his English
poetry collection Para (2015, Chant Chan Books). The collection is a
translation from Burmese. Marangwanda and Bulawayo-based poet and writer
Philani ‘Pan’ Nyoni also read and performed their poems respectively. After the
UZ event, Litfest moved to Theatre in the Park for the Official Opening of
Litfest and premiere of Guinea Fowl, a play based on the late writer Doris
Lessing. The play was written by Elisabeth Beanca Halvorsen.

THIRD AND LAST DAY

Mbira music is that kind of music that
puts you in a certain mood of spiritual enlightenment. Your spirit rises. And
this poet and storyteller, Ticha Muzavazi (above) is so gifted that when he
plays his mbira and alternates it with bits of traditional stories, it is only
after he goes off stage that you realize you have been somewhere far far away.
His session at the Gallery Delta was enjoyable as well as educating.

The topic ‘Should Writers be called
simply writers, that is, not African or Women Writers? At What Stage can One be
Called a Writer: By their Calling or After Publication?’, although long, had
very important lessons for writers. The panelists (from left) Memory Chirere,
Barbara Mhangami, and Kizito Muchemwa shared their experiences regarding the
topic.

Once again Beanca Halvorsen (right)
joined other panelists Lawrence Hoba (left), and Fungai Machirori at the
Gallery Delta to talk about ‘Literature on Digital Platforms – A Blessing or a
Curse?’ Elizabeth Muchemwa moderated this discussion. The dynamics of the
internet for writers were scrutinized and it seems after all has been said, no
one can run away from the internet.

Soon after this discussion, performance
poet Biko Mutsaurwa interviewed Han Lynn and writers got to know how Lynn views
poetry from the perspective of someone conscious of his Burmese context.

Shepherd Mutamba (above) speaking about
the topic ‘How deep (or far) Should Biographies Go?’ Mutamba is the author of
‘Tuku Backstage’, a biography of the iconic musician Oliver Mtukudzi. Mutamba
was joined by panelists Joyce Makwenda and Pathisa Nyathi who have also
published a number of biographies.

One of the exciting aspects of Litfest
Harare was its attempt in pulling together artists from different arts and
culture sub-sectors, particularly musicians. In the above photo, Prudence
Katomeni (left), a celebrated musician, is having a conversation with Jabulani
‘J-Boss’ Hove under the topic ‘What My Lyrics Mean For Me and My Music’.
Although Katomeni told her own story, we also really wanted to know what the
rising dancehall artists have to say about this topic but unfortunately and
dancehall artist Kinnah who was on the programme could not make it to Litfest.

Gifted musician Pauline Gunduza (left)
made a surprise appearance at the Gallery Delta. She is posing with poets Han
Lynn (center) and Tendai Maduwa (far right).

The LitFest Harare this year ran under
the theme ‘Setting Off -Side by Side’

THANK
YOU FOR READING. PLEASE DO TAKE CARE DURING THE HECTIC DAYS OF THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY.
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE, DON’T LET SOMEONE’S LIFE EXPIRE BUT RATHER INSPIRE.

04 December 2015

At
the just-ended LitFest Harare (November 26 -28, 2015) there were moments of both tense debate
and humour. The photo above shows writer Memory Chirere reading a poem
‘Shamwari Yako Saru’ from his latest anthology Bhuku Risina Basa Nekuti Rakanyorwa Masikati while USA-based writer
Barbara Mhangami-Ruwende (right), by virtue of sitting next to Chirere, could not run away from being the ‘Saru’
to whom this poem about her friend’s unusual ‘friendship’ is addressed! Chirere was asked to read from his anthology after
the discussion of the topic “Should Writers
be called simply Writers, Not African or Women Writers?”at the Gallery Delta.It was
wonderful having you home Barbara. More news and images from Litfest and other
events coming soon in our newsletter… thank you.